The Royal Princess: Theron Royalty, #3

By Kirsten Osbourne

Princess Eloise of Theron loves her brothers, and she's happy they've both found their life partners. Incredibly glad she won't have to worry about ever being queen, she dreams of a day when she will find the man who makes her heart beat faster.

Prince Bernard of Allenia has loved Princess Eloise for as long as he's known her. When there is unrest between their two countries, he goes to his uncle, the king of Allenia, and suggests a political marriage between him and Eloise to help stop the fighting between their countries.

Eloise agrees to a political marriage with Bernard, hoping to find true love amidst the political alliance. After which, they face a dangerous conspiracy threatening their kingdoms and encounter betrayal within their families. Together, with the support of loyal allies, they gather evidence to expose the puppeteer behind the unrest and dismantle the dissident movement.

When their lives turn into something very different than either of them have in mind, they must face the unknown. Will they be able to be everything their countries need them to be? Or will their marriage be an exercise in futility?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Unlimited Dreams
• Release date: Jan 31, 2024
• ISBN: 9798224004782

Book preview

Chapter One

Princess Eloise of Theron continued to smile as she rode in the backseat of one of her father’s favorite cars, a 1957 Chevy Convertible. King Albert had started collecting cars before she was even born, and though she liked the looks of some of them, cars were just not her passion.

Eloise raised her hand to wave yet again, wishing she could just read her book. Who could leave a book in the middle of chapter sixteen, and not finish it for hours? She could, whether she wanted to or not.

Thankful she didn’t have to worry about ruling her country, she spent all her available time with her nose stuck in books. Unfortunately, there were engagements most weekdays that she needed to attend, her small way of helping her father with his workload.

When the car finally pulled up to the palace gate, she was happy she would be able to let her face relax. Smiling for long periods of time was tiring. And her pale blue silk dress would go back in her closet, to be replaced by leggings and a long t-shirt. In just minutes, she would be able to finish chapter sixteen.

She spotted a car with the Allenia royal family’s insignia. She had no idea who was visiting, but it was usually Prince Bernard who was sent to Theron. He was a kind enough man, a few years older than she was, but she didn’t know if she could really trust anyone from Allenia. Knowing he was there, she decided to go straight to her suite so she could sit in her library and finish her book. There was no reason for her to have to continue acting like a princess and help entertain the man. No, her book was calling to her, and she’d fulfilled her duties for the day.

Hurrying into her room, she quickly changed into her favorite pair of leggings and an oversized t-shirt. She couldn’t think of any clothing she’d rather wear for reading.

She picked up the phone and requested lunch be delivered to the library, which sounded so much better than going to the dining room to eat. There, she’d have to dress for the meal, and here, she could wear whatever she wanted. She’d had several public engagements that week, and she was certain she’d scream if she had to force her feet into dress shoes anytime soon.

Well, anytime before Monday, which was in two days. Monday was the day she was going to an orphanage there in town to talk to the children and teachers and get a feel for what was needed.

Moving into the library with her book clutched in her hand, she sank into her favorite chair, putting her feet up. In one motion, she hit the button for her feet to rise as she opened her book to the page where her bookmark waited. Now, to see how the heroine was going to escape from the man who was holding her hostage and planned to force her to marry him.

Ah, this is the life. It was so much more fun to live in someone else’s life for a few hours than live to take care of her own duties.

As she turned another page, the characters leaped forth. Her laughter echoed through the hallowed space, a sound both light-hearted and laced with longing. This room was her realm, and within its borders, she reigned supreme. She was happy she didn’t rule the whole kingdom. She was happy to leave that task to her brother, James. No, this is where she belonged. In her library with a book in her hand.

Perhaps today, she mused with a playful twinkle in her eye, I shall discover a tale where the princess rescues the prince. Her own story was yet unwritten, but here Eloise felt the stirrings of her own happily ever after.

With a contented sigh, she sank deeper into her chair, letting the world of her books swallow her whole. The library protected her from reality, allowing her heart to wander freely through her imagination.

Eloise’s red hair cascaded in waves. She tucked a rebellious curl behind her ear, her green eyes moving swiftly over the words in the book.

With delicate precision, she turned another page. The crinkling sound sent a shiver of delight through her. There was just something about holding a book in her hands. It was so much better than reading an ebook. Not that she wouldn’t read electronic books if she was desperate. Why just last week she had been out without a book, and she’d taken to reading on her phone. It wasn’t the same for her though. No, she wanted real paper in her hands.

I wish my own life’s story could be read first, so I could avoid the rookie mistakes young women make as they learn to love, Eloise thought. For she knew her own life story would include a love that moved mountains. She was destined for it.

Finally, the maid arrived with her lunch, a simple salad. Eloise preferred richer foods, but she only allowed herself to eat them at supper time. If she had to start exercising to keep her figure, it would cut into her reading time.

She held her salad in her lap, taking a bite and reading as she chewed. There was no reason to put down the book unless she was being observed, and at the moment, no one was there to bother her.

Eloise shifted in her seat, the leather creaking softly in assent, as she hugged the volume close to her chest.

Tomorrow, she promised the silent room, I shall pen a chapter of my own, one filled with laughter and perhaps a sprinkle of romance.

A small giggle escaped her lips, betraying the delight that blossomed within her chest. She read on, about lovers intertwined by destiny, their spirits buoyant with the promise of forever.

Eloise turned another page, her anticipation palpable. As the hero declared his undying love with a passion that set the heroine aglow, so too did Eloise feel an illuminating joy. A momentary sigh slipped from her lips, her heart beating faster.

Perhaps one day, I shall find myself the protagonist rather than the audience, she pondered. And with that hopeful thought, she delved back into the world of courtly love and poetic vows, a contented smile gracing her lips as she surrendered once more to the beautiful words of her novel.

True love is not a fable nor a mere whisper of fancy, she declared to the quiet listeners that lined her walls. It is the very essence that binds these tales together, the thread that weaves through the fabric of every great story. Her words were fervent, a testament to her unyielding optimism.

As she read the last page, she hugged the book to her chest for a moment, knowing this book would cause a hangover that would last. Oh, the ending had been perfect, filled with vows of love and an epilogue complete with a baby. What more could she ask for?

She rose and put the book back onto the shelf she’d found it on. She needed to clear her mind for a bit before she started another, so she pulled on her shoes and grabbed a coat. Walking in the garden seemed like the perfect thing to cleanse her palate between books.

When she stepped into the garden, she sensed that she wasn’t alone, and for a moment she thought about going back inside, not wanting to risk losing the feeling the book had left her with.

It wasn’t until she sat on the bench in the back of the garden, lost in her thoughts, that she spotted the intruder in her paradise. Prince Bernard.

When he spotted her, he meandered in her direction, not waiting to be invited to sit beside her. Princess Eloise, Prince Bernard said in way of greeting.

Prince Bernard, she said, nodding to acknowledge him. It didn’t matter that she didn’t want him there. It was a matter of manners.

I was hoping I could find you alone before I spoke with your father.

Is that so? Eloise asked. Prince Bernard’s kingdom of Allenia had been the enemy of Theron for many generations.

It is. There has been a significant amount of unrest between our nations to the point that trading between us has diminished significantly, hurting the economy of both nations.

Eloise nodded regally, though when she looked down and noticed her leggings, a giggle threatened to escape. How could she possibly think she was regal in a pair of leggings?

I spoke with my uncle, and we’ve come up with a plan, but you must agree to it before I go to your father with it.

Eloise raised an eyebrow. She’d spent hours and hours practicing in front of mirrors until she had the gesture down pat. She liked to use it on annoying men, and at the moment, Prince Bernard was annoying her. And the plan is?

I thought maybe a union of royal families. I would like to talk to King Albert about asking for your hand in marriage.

Eloise sighed dramatically. You want me to offer myself as a sacrifice on the altar of marriage? She knew it had been common even one hundred fifty years before, but it had never felt like something she would need to do.

Bernard nodded. I know some of our people were in cahoots with Christopher, and I’m sure you’d like to get to the bottom of that and smooth things over.

Eloise bit her lip. She loved Theron almost as much as she abhorred Christopher, who had attempted to kill her oldest brother and both of her sisters-in-law. Why, he’d almost caused Amanda, her brother James’s wife to miscarry.

I know there are problems between our countries, but I would want to find the person who was in charge of those working with Christopher.

There is no reason. No one was hurt.

My sister-in-law almost lost the baby she’s expecting. People were most definitely hurt!

That news didn’t reach Allenia. I’m sorry for misspeaking. Bernard looked at his hands for a moment. If it would please you to look into who’s behind it all, then I would help you.

Eloise pursed her lips, thinking about it. Bernard wasn’t the kind of man she had ever imagined herself with. He was soft-spoken and handsome. She’d always seen herself with a man who was a bit more boisterous. But his offer was still tempting as she thought about her family.

I want the whole movement stopped, of course, but marrying for political gain? I always told myself I’d never do that.

My uncle likes the idea, he said softly. As long as it’s me and not one of his sons, of course. He shook his head. He said it would be the greatest sacrifice I could make for my kingdom.

Sacrifice? You make me sound so appealing.

He chuckled. My uncle called it a sacrifice. I had nothing to do with that.

She leaned forward, looking down at her feet. I don’t know. I barely know you.

He sighed. If we do it, we need to each know we have to do it for the rest of our lives. There can be no divorce unless we want full-scale war between our nations.

Eloise studied Bernard for a moment. I’m surprised you would even consider marrying a woman from Theron.

My mother came from Theron. My father met her while he was out riding one afternoon, and the only reason he was allowed to marry her was because he was the second son and not the heir.

And you believe you could actually agree to a marriage where you barely know the woman and don’t love her at all?

For my country, I could do anything. Bernard’s face was stoic. She couldn’t read him at all.

I’ll consider it. Eloise wasn’t going to give